Songs of the Week - 09/06/2025
These are the 18 tracks you need to check out this week!
Photo Credit: Through Elizabeth's Camera
April Jai - 'WHY CHOOSE'
This week's Songs of the Week start off with April Jai’s second release of the year, 'WHY CHOOSE'. The empowering alt-pop anthem has been described by April as her musical coming out, confidently exploring the self-expression of her bisexuality. In the middle of a pride month where there has been such an unfair discourse around bisexual visibility, this song could not have come at a more perfect time. April is positive and self-assured about her identity, and it makes this track an authentic and truly special piece of music.
Nyah Grace - 'Down'
Last month saw Nyah Grace release 'Down', the final single from her upcoming sophomore album 'Divinely Devoted', which is out on June 20th. The song is a stunning soulful exploration of fractured relationships, with Nyah tackling themes of self-worth and heartbreak in the most vocally powerful of ways. 'Down' was also paired with a brilliant new music video last week, which saw Nyah step into the world of a late 1960s relationship. If this new release is anything to go by, Nyah's new album is going to be a real masterpiece.
Mother Mother - 'ON AND ON (Song for Jasmin)'
We then move from an upcoming album to a newly released album, with alt-rock icons Mother Mother dropping their 10th studio album 'Nostalgia' last Friday. The album takes an almost experimental approach, combining familiar sounds from the group's earlier music, with some new dynamic approaches to creating songs in an almost cinematic way. One of the standout singles on the album is 'ON AND ON (Song for Jasmin)', which was wholesomely written as a platonic loveletter from frontman Ryan Guldemond to bandmate Jasmin Parkin about their rollercoaster relationship, which has resulted in a deep-rooted friendship between the pair.
Dalia - 'Die 4 U'
After a special 2024, Dalia has somehow made 2025 an even bigger year, transforming herself into one of the year's true breakout stars. 'Die 4 U' is Dalia's third release of the year, and her third Song of the Week appearance, following on from the stellar singles 'CUT IT OFF!' and 'Hanging by a Thread'. The new single sees Dalia look back upon a time when she was so deeply in love with someone that she was prepared to give up everything for them, a reflection that will be all too relatable to many listening. It is a guitar-driven track but still manages to showcase Dalia's ethereal vocalwork.
BEX - 'politix'
Long-term SBTM favourite BEX is continuing her takeover of the alt music scene with this new community-capturing song 'politix'. BEX has developed such a strong community around her music and artistic vision, with the new single perfectly capturing the feeling of belonging that such a community can bring in the chaos of 2025. As well as being the name of the single, 'politix' also lends its name to a two-track mini-mixtape BEX put out, which also features the riotous new song 'we'll never b like u'. This is an equally brilliant track that you should absolutely check out too.
Aimie Fleur - 'So Difficult'
Another artist experiencing a breakout year in 2025 is Aimie Fleur, who has just released her infectious new single 'So Difficult'. The track is a blend of angelic vocals and a synth-laden backing that delves into the difficulties of situationships and being led along, but not wanting to let the person go. Rather than approaching this song in a self-damning way, Aimie continues her journey of writing positive songs that spark self-confidence in listeners, a truly welcome message in the modern pop scene.
ISSA ODYSSEA - 'the end (of the world)'
One of the most engaging and creative minds in music, ISSA ODYSSEA, has again dropped new music, releasing her atmospheric masterpiece 'the end (of the world)' at the end of last month. The dark track takes an apocalyptic tone to deliver a carefully crafted message about the modern state of politics and society as a whole. The single feels like it has been taken straight from a movie soundtrack, featuring such a poignant and dynamic progression.'the end (of the world)' also acts as the fourth and final single to be taken from ISSA's highly anticipated upcoming EP, so there could be even more brilliant music coming very soon!
Pippa Crossland - 'I Don't Like Being Alone'
Over the last 18 months, Pippa Crossland has been dropping a series of sensational alt-pop singles, which have culminated in the release of her highly anticipated brand-new EP 'We're Being Honest'. The EP featured the four songs Pippa had released in this time, as well as the emotionally raw new single 'I Don't Like Being Alone'. This textured track sees Crossland delve into a vulnerable space, pouring her heart into some emotional lyrics that perfectly capture feelings of loneliness and heartbreak.
how r u - 'slipping away'
'how r u', the lo-fi slowcore project of Belfast multi-instrumentalist Thom Southern, has just released a brand-new single 'slipping away', the first single to be taken from upcoming third album 'come back to me'. This is set to be an entirely instrumental album, making 'slipping away' the first fully instrumental track to be featured in my Songs of the Week. The song provides listeners with a space to create their own emotional journey whilst listening, with myself feeling a sort of peaceful yet sombre nostalgia. how r u continue to create moving pieces, and this may be their best to date.
Carolyn - 'countertop'
After debuting in late 2024, Carolyn has grown from strength to strength, releasing her best single to date at the end of last month. 'countertop' is a freeing journey in ballad form, showcasing Carolyn's moving vocals alongside a delicately crafted backing. 'countertop' is an introduction into the new era of Carolyn, with more music and the tease of an EP both coming later his summer, so there really is no better time to get on board with an artist who has all the talent to reach the very top.
The Queen's Head - 'Piston Ghosts'
Another act with a new EP coming soon is London-based quintet The Queen's Head, who release their second EP 'Titanic' on July 8th. Before this EP is released to the world, the band are showcasing one of the tracks from it, their new single 'Piston Ghosts'. The song, which is inspired by Ken Hollings' essay on the sexual history of machines, takes a dark and dystopian tone that in many ways reflects the current state of the world. As the song dynamically progresses, it begins to feel more distinct and twisted.
Tesni - 'Nothing's New Again'
Manchester based singer-songwriter Tesni released her stunning new single 'Nothing's New Again' last week, blending a melodic richness with some deeply impressive vocals. The song sees Tesni delve into the complexities of sexual exploration, and how keeping your feelings closed can hinder potential romantic connections. It is laden with optimism that encourages listeners to push through these emotional barriers and embrace their true selves.
Jidé Kuti - 'Ba Sing Se'
Jidé Kuti is back with his first music since the release of last year's 'The Open Heart' EP, with new single 'Ba Sing Se'. The song, which itself has a soothing tone, urges listeners to take a step back from the business of life more often and just relax. It is an intricate release that takes inspiration from the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender (being named after a city from the show), yet still maintains a real sense of authenticity and introspection. Jidé is a master of his craft, and 'Ba Sing Se' proves it yet again.
Blood Dealer - 'Crucifix'
Returning to the theme of new EPs, the end of May saw alt-metal trio Blood Dealer release their explosive new EP 'Designer Antichrist'. Every song on the EP is exceptional, but the opening track 'Crucifix' had to be the one I feature, given the brilliant dynamic approach the band take throughout. The song shifts from pop-punk sounds to full-blown metal, taking listeners on a journey from softer atmospheric moments to hard-hitting gutturals. Blood Dealer are fast rising to the top of the alt-metal scene, and this new EP is certainly going to speed that process up.
Liya Shapiro - 'Burning Bridges'
Arguably the most genre-blending song on this week's list is Liya Shapiro's new single 'Burning Bridges'. The song combines intricate piano sections that express emotional vulnerability with the chaos of razor-sharp guitarwork, all sewn together by Liya's vivid lyricism to capture the experience of emotional collapse. This is one of the purest examples I have come across as to why music should be considered art in every sense of the word.
XOË MILES - 'I SAID IT'
Alt-pop superstar XOË MILES has just released one of her purest pop songs to date, 'I SAID IT', the perfect-sounding song as we head into summer. The song, which XOË co-wrote with the equally incredibly talented Olivia Gunn, is an authentically relatable exploration of falling for someone else, but then realising they don't seem to be matching the energy you are putting in, coming and going from the situation. XOË's musical progression with every release is extremely impressive, as she looks set to be a real important name in the alt-pop scene over the coming years.
Chase - 'Pretend Again'
'Pretned Again' is the strikingly intimate and introspective debut release from Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Chase, who has launched her musical journey in the most profound way. The lyricism throughout the track is comparable with poetry, as we follow Chase on a voyage of self-discovery. Her vocals are soulful, being paired with a soft piano track which adds to the emotional depth this debut single possesses.
Aaron Dinning - 'Seasons'
This week's Songs of the Week are rounded out by Aaron Dinning's new track 'Seasons', the second single to be taken from Aaron's upcoming second EP of the same name. The single sees Dinning master the art of breakup songwriting, doing so in an authentic way that avoids relying on overused clichés. This is also Aaron's second appearance in my Songs of the Week this year, with the EP's first release 'Looh Who's Holding the Gun Now!' also featuring, proving further how special this upcoming EP is set to be.
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